Award-winning South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has died at the age of 40.

According to The Witness, his family confirmed the news this morning, and his agency, MLA, released an official statement on their website shortly thereafter.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40,” said MLA.

Chweneyagae was born on October 19, 1984, in Mafikeng, North West, and his artistic journey began at the age of 10 when he joined drama classes at the North West Arts Council (now the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation), setting him on a lifelong path of storytelling, expression and excellence.

He rose to international fame with his unforgettable performance in Tsotsi (2005), a role that helped bring home South Africa’s first-ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Chweneyagae’s performance resonated with audiences across the globe, cementing his place as a powerful and authentic voice in African cinema.

His career spanned theatre, TV and film, with standout performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) and the award-winning TV series The River (2018).

On stage, his presence was commanding and transformative, with roles in:

• Hamlet in Hamlet
• Mark Antony in Julius Caesar
• Bottom and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Orestes in Dikeledi (an adaptation of Electra)
• Relativity, Urban Reality, Jack in the Box, The Grandball, Silent Voice, Kalushi, Cards, Beautiful Things, and more.

He was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom – later published by STE Publishers – and directing the award-winning production CELL NO 4.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues, and all who knew and loved him. While we grieve the immense loss of a remarkable talent, we celebrate the light he brought to the world,” read the statement.

Details regarding memorial services will be shared in due course.

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